Lowell's Newsletter
December 20, 2024
Wishing You a Joyful and Restorative Winter Vacation
Dear Lowell School Families,
As we begin our much-anticipated winter vacation, I want to take a moment to extend my warmest wishes to each and every one of you. I am delighted to celebrate this time of year embracing the joy, reflection, and renewal finishing a calendar year brings.
The winter break is a special opportunity for families to reconnect, recharge, and embrace the season of light and joy. Whether it’s partaking in holiday traditions, enjoying cozy moments at home, or simply unwinding from the bustle of daily life, I hope you find time to savor your personal joys and create beautiful memories.
I recognize, too, that this time of year can be challenging, especially for those who have experienced loss or are facing hardship. To our families and individuals navigating difficult times, please know that you are in our thoughts. We are sending love, positive energy, and wishes for peace and contentment your way.
As winter vacation is just around the corner, I also want to acknowledge the significant workloads that many are managing in preparation for this break. Our commitment to supporting our students' social and emotional well-being remains steadfast, and we are here to ensure that the spirit of joy and light-heartedness fills our school days leading up to the holiday.
Wishing each of you a restful and joy-filled vacation, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for the exciting new year ahead.
With gratitude!
Principal Phelan
Assistant Principal Rufo
Perfect Way to Begin Winter Break with a Little Snow!
Need Help With Parent Square?
Parent Square Support for Parents
Monday, Jan 13, 2025, 08:00 AM
ParentSquare App Support Session - Monday, January 13th
Dear Families,
We hope this message finds you well! We understand that navigating new technology can sometimes be challenging, and we are here to help. On Monday, January 13th, we are offering dedicated support to families who need assistance with setting up and using the ParentSquare App.
Our support session will be held in the Learning Commons, where our team will be ready to guide you through the setup process and answer any questions you may have. To ensure effective communication, we will have interpreters available for both Spanish and English. If you require interpretation in other languages, please let us know in advance, and we will arrange for additional language support as needed.
We are committed to ensuring that every family feels comfortable and confident using the ParentSquare App, as it is a vital tool for staying connected with our school community.
Thank you, and we look forward to assisting you.
Kindergarten info night will take place on Wednesday, March 5th, from 6:30-7:30 pm. It will be an in person event. Caregivers should attend the information session at their respective neighborhood school. Lowell will host in the Learning Commons. All are welcome to attend. More information will follow.
The Unity Breakfast is Back in Person!
Reserve Now for the 25th Annual Watertown Unity Breakfast!
Get your ticket at https://watertownunitybreakfast.eventbrite.com
World in Watertown is thrilled to invite you to the 25th annual Watertown Unity Breakfast on January 20, 2025 from 8:30-11am!
This year will be in-person at the Hellenic Cultural Center, 25 Bigelow Ave, Watertown.
A hot breakfast from Wicked Bagel will be served at 8:30 am followed by music, roundtable conversations, student essays, and the presentation of the Unity Award.
Every year, the community in Watertown, Massachusetts, comes together on Martin Luther King Day to honor his life and civil right legacy by recommitting to foundational principles of racial, social and economic justice.
All ages are welcome to attend the event! The suggested donation for adult attendees is $10-$25. Youth 18 and under and those experiencing financial difficulty are welcome to attend for free.
Childcare is available for children 2-10 years of age. Please register for childcare as an "add-on." Children are also welcome to attend the main program.
ASL interpretation and CART will be available, sponsored by the Watertown Disability Commission. To request additional accommodations, email worldinwatertowncity@gmail.com.
The Watertown Unity Breakfast is run by World in Watertown and sponsors this year include the Watertown Community Foundation, Watertown Savings Bank, and Point32Health Foundation. Special thanks to the Taxiarchae/Archangels Greek Orthodox Church for the use of their community space and to Wicked Bagel for providing breakfast.
We are excited to be gathering together and celebrating our community. Get more information and watch videos of previous year’s at unitybreakfast.org.
This Week's Highlights!
FTO Spoiled the Staff with Lots of Treats!
Thank you, Kelly Linehan!
Some of our teachers were spotted being naughty!
Lowell received a visit from Golden Opportunity Thearpy Dogs!
Annual Kindergarten Gingerbread Play Dough Party
Snowman Soup in First Grade
Happy Holidays From Us!
What has Lenny been doing in first grade this week with Ms. Beaver's room?
This wave had the privilige of having Lenny the Leopard visit our class!! He just "shows" up in classes throughout the school year. This week has been our opportunity to show Lenny all about First Grade! Given this week is SPIRIT Week we have had a few activities that are not as common, which Lenny has really enjoyed. On Monday he did get to see us all show our best writing when working on our informational paragraphs in Wit and Wisdom. He also helped us practice sounds in Fundations. He was very impressed with how we tap our sounds and blend the sounds.
Tuesday Lenny was intrigued to hear about classmates traditions. He learned that a few students enjoy spending time with their family fishing as well as others who shared about their Christmas season. It is so nice to hear and recognize the variety of traditions we all enjoy.
On Wednesday he joined us in a special activity with our 5th grade Buddies in Mrs Burton's class. We heard the book The Invisible Boy and spoke about how when the boy in the book felt more included and happy, the illustrator showed the character in color instead of black/white and grey tones. Following the reading and our discussion all students created a light bulb to share ways we can be kind and "light up" friends. It was a wonderful opportunity to see our buddies as well as a good reminder about how a little kindness goes a long way to light up someone else's heart. Later on Wednesday we had the opportunity to make special snowmen pictures. Mrs. Bailey planned this fun craft for us, and though it was a little messy, Lenny really enjoyed it.
On Thursday Lenny heard the classic Jan Brett book The Mitten and worked with the students tracing their hands to create their own mittens. Students then chose what animal to put "into" their own mittens. Some children even chose Lenny! Lenny has been listening to the class all week and is very intrigued by talk of "Snowman Soup." He thinks he may just have to join the first grade in that adventure!
Music Room's Newsletter
Watertown Youth Soccer
Contact Us
J.R. Lowell Elementary School
123 Lowell Ave.
Watertown, Ma 02472
Phone: 1-617-926-7770
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JRLowellElementary
Website: https://watertownjrlowell.ss19.sharpschool.com/
Principal: Stacy Phelan
stacy.phelan@watertown.k12.ma.us
Assistant Principal: Tara Rufo
Administrative Assistant: Kara Flynn
kara.flynn@watertown.k12.ma.us
Receptionist: Jim Swift
james.swift@watertown.k12.ma.us
Nurse: Kristen Thibodeau
kristen.thibodeau@watertown.k12.ma.us
Guidance Pre-K - 2: Melina Jacovides
melina.jacovides@watertown.k12.ma.us
Guidance 3-5: Brian Connors
brian.connors@watertown.k12.ma.us
School Psychologist: Kelley Starrett
kelley.cochrane@watertown.k12.ma.us
Special Education Team Chair: Greg Roberts
gregory.roberts@watertown.k12.ma.us
LEDP Site Coordinator: Adam Vachon
adam.vachon@watertown.k12.ma.us
stacy phelan
stacy is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters
Lowell Elementary School Principal